What do the VCR, Tetris, Blu-ray and OLED TVs have in common? They were all announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show.

A man looks over the collection of laptops running the Windows operating system at the Microsoft booth on the opening day of the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Jan. 10, 2012. The former headliner won't appear at the 2013 show.

What do the VCR, Tetris, Blu-ray and OLED TVs have in common? They were all announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

On Tuesday, the trade-show floor at CES opens up, with thousands of companies exhibiting their wares for 2013. The annual Las Vegas-based trade show hosts product reveals from the big players as well as cutting-edge innovations from smaller companies, setting the path for technological innovation for the coming year — and beyond. Here are some of the questions we’ll be looking to answer at this year’s show.

1. CES has gone through many changes since its inception in 1967. Can it remain relevant?

With more than 150,000 attendees last year, CES is still viewed as a must-attend for startups and companies looking to showcase new products and seal distribution deals. But, for the first time in 15 years, former headliner Microsoft will not be delivering the keynote.

While some big players are following the tech giant’s lead and opting out, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and others will still be showing off their new stuff in Vegas. As well, there are many smaller players and innovative gadgets seeking to make a splash. This year’s show will likely have more of a mobile focus — which makes sense, given that our phones now double for personal computers. But the question remains: In a world where Kickstarter and crowdfunding are driving grassroots innovation, can a messy, loud and overloaded trade show remain ahead of the curve? We’re about to find out.

2. What’s next for television?

TV manufacturers seem to be floundering as they look for the next big feature seller. Beyond HD, innovations such as 3D haven’t really taken off, and many reports have found that Smart TV consumers rarely use the online functionality. But the hype around even better and crisper picture is sure to stay on companies’ agendas, with rumours that Ultra HD or 4K resolution might be coming to smaller screen sizes — but likely keeping the very high price tags.

Also rumoured is an Intel TV service, tied to chips they sell for other manufacturers. After the news leaked, the company said it wouldn’t be ready in time for CES but will likely debut sometime in 2013. Samsung is also rumoured to be launching a video-on-demand service, as well as teasing a new shape for TVs. Fingers crossed for dodecahedron.

3. Are cars the next tech frontier?

While some large companies didn’t RSVP for Vegas’ big show, leading car guys are driving up and taking their parking spots. Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Chrysler and many other car companies have joined the list of exhibitors for this year’s show. Some luxury car manufacturers have already built apps for their vehicles, and others are likely to follow suit.

4. What will be the next big thing?

Many technologies that have been burbling may be ready to take the next step into mainstream acceptance in 2013. Wearable computing looks to be gaining steam with Google Glasses — an augmented reality headset display — slated for launch next year, as well as the headset gaming system Oculus Rift and even Nike’s FuelBand, a ramped up pedometer, at the lower end.

Gesture-based computing looks to be spreading from the world of videogames, with Samsung talking about a gesture-controlled TV and companies such as Leap Motion, responsible for touch-free, 3D motion technology, already making a viral splash.

While 3D printing has been touted as the next big thing for a few years, and it’s found a place in the design industry, the device price needs to drop before we realize a future where we buy and then print things at home

Finally, three things we’re sure to see at this year’s show: automated home devices, touch-screens everywhere and social media integration.

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